Skip to main content

a week in the village

Well, I think it's about time I updated you on our trip to visit the very rural village of AKZ. This village is located near the rain forest and is about a 1 hour hike through streams and mountains. I was stretched...both physically and mentally...but loved every minute (even loved it through my tears of pain).

We arrived to the entry of the hiking trail around mid morning. I don't know what I had prepared myself for, but it wasn't what I saw or expected. The first mountain was downhill...easy peasy? NO. It was downhill, on dry clay. There were quite a few times I think I saw my life flash before my eyes.

I do need to mention that, I had prepared a rather large pack. It was full of belongings that I needed to survive a week in the village. Upon our arrival, the sweetest Malagasy family showed up to accompany us. The eldest daughter, who was petite, about 25 years old, and not wearing shoes, insisted on carrying my pack. Before leaving, I weighed my pack at 26lbs.

Anyways, the hike was beautiful and difficult. I ended up getting some pretty nasty blisters on my ankles that haven't fully healed yet. They hurt, but right outside the village, I stepped in water and I think I would have rather chop my feet off at the ankle at that point.
 

We entered the village, and were graciously received in their village visitor house. We were all a sweaty, stinky mess, but it was so nice to sit and rest for awhile. After resting a bit, we set up our tents, and went about learning. 

We learned about the layout of the village. Where the nearest clinic was, if there was a school in the village, and where to find water. We learned so much in this small village. We learned the spiritual condition of people there and what they struggle with daily. It was very eye opening, and gave me just a glimpse into Malagasy culture.

The same sweet family that met us at the trail-head are believers. They opened their home to us. Megan and I even got to stay a night with them and share a meal. They are the absolute most gracious people. I loved meeting with them every day for meals. The father of the family taught us a Malagasy game! We never mastered it...and I don't think I ever will! But it was fun to watch them play and try to teach us!

The family has been facing hard times in their village. They are dedicated to studying God's word and making His name famous in their village. No matter the trial, they are fully sold out to Christ. He changed their lives, and it is SO evident. When we left the village we were able to encourage them with a verse. Immediately, I was reminded of Ephesians 1:15-23 which says:

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hop to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

It's a long passage, but it is oh so good. Their faith preceded them. They were known around their village because of their faith. They stepped out, as a family, for the sake of Christ. They faced persecution and never faltered. They are who I am thankful for. They are making a difference in lives for eternity.

Oh to be known for my faith. For people to love Jesus because of how I love Him and the people around me. I pray for the faith that is radical and stands against the fiery trials of life. Because they will come, and when they do, I want my Lord to receive all the glory. Forever and ever. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rains in Africa

Rain. Or lack thereof is what is happening in Madagascar at the current moment. You will see gray clouds looming overhead, but nothing falls out of them. And if something does, its for seconds, at the MOST minutes long. Drought, is certainly here in the capital city of Antananarivo. I haven’t been in the city long, so I don’t claim to know much of it. What I do know, is that the streets are crowded with cars and people alike. During lunchtime, you can see the “sidewalks” filled with little kids in their blue smocks, going home for break. A few hours later, those same children fill the sidewalks again, going back to school. The cycle repeats itself every day. Since it is currently Saturday here, the pace is quite a bit slower, which my little town Madagascar heart loves. It is a welcomed relief from all the hustle and bustle. When I’ve been driving around, I’ve noticed many Malagasy people staring. This is not an uncommon occurrence, because of my very pale white skin. However,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Out West

When you go into a village, as a foreigner, it is important to follow the rules of culture. Many times, being a foreigner in a place so far outside of the norm, can get you into trouble. I won't go into the deep details of why Malagasy people in the village are hesitant towards white foreigners...but let your imagination take you to Pocahontas and you have a similar idea. Most villages are so far out, it is hard to get to them. This is the exact reason much of Madagascar remains untouched by the Gospel. The villages are hard to get to and a lot of learning is still to be done once you arrive at these far off places. A village is just a bundle of a few modest Malagasy homes within a small area. Sometimes, though, villages can stretch from the main group of homes to one outlying home that can be kilometers away. Visiting these outlying homes requires lots of travel by foot...something I am not well adept at doing. Through bushes, sand, rocks, and sometimes water, the people on ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sight to the Blind

About 35 kilometers north of Manakara is a place called Asasaina. About 3 years ago, Ancil met a man who then invited him to his home on the side of the road. For 2 1/2 years they met under a mango tree. The man stopped coming, but the group began to grow in number. About 6 months ago, 4 leading men from the village started attending. Ever the skeptics, they sat and asked hard questions. Ancil could tell they were strong men who would eventually be strong leaders in the church, if this group ever became one. Many faithful children, women, and young people continued to come and learn. One woman even left to follow Islam for awhile but realized the truth is Jesus and returned. The men sat and asked many, many questions. Searching to find truth. A few months ago, Ancil's family came from Miami and did a vision clinic. This clinic was to strengthen existing churches and help show compassion to outsiders. These clinics were wildly successful! The gospel was shared at each p...
3 comments
Read more